CAFNR Week queen candidates a diverse group of women
Story by Emily Schmidt, photos by Kathleen Sprouse, posted Sept. 18, 2007

It’s that time of the year again. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources’ CAFNR Week is underway and faculty and students alike hope for another successful year. Representing the College will be the CAFNR king and queen. This year, 10 candidates are running for the title of CAFNR queen. Through a series of interviews, the queen will be chosen on Sept. 18, 2007.

	Katie Allen Mizzou Collegiate Cattle Women Katie Allen is a senior from Marceline, Mo., majoring in agricultural journalism. Allen represents the Mizzou Collegiate Cattle Women, but is also involved in several organizations including Block and Bridle, Independent Aggies, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Alpha Zeta, 2006 Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team, 2007 Meat Animal Evaluation Team and 2005 CAFNR Week Steering Committee. After graduation, Allen would like to incorporate all her favorite journalism aspects including broadcasting, advertising and writing to work as an agricultural communicator.  “I've found in my four years here that I can learn just as much outside of the classroom as I can inside of it by really getting involved and meeting new people,” Allen said. Favorites of Allen’s include hunting and fishing, spending time with siblings, working on the family farm, judging livestock shows across Missouri, steak, swimming, softball, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Indianapolis Colts and the MU Tigers.
	Kelly Christopherson Independent Aggies Kelly Christopherson is a senior from Waverly, Mo., majoring in agricultural education. Christopherson represents the Independent Aggies. After graduation, Christopherson would like to work in public relations for Anheuser-Busch or NASCAR. Christopherson chose MU and CAFNR because the opportunities CAFNR provides its students are above and beyond any other agriculture school in the state. “I always told myself that MU was way too big and I would never go there,” Christopherson said. “Then I transferred from Northwest Missouri University three years ago, and I wish I would have started here.” Favorites of Christopherson’s include shopping, hanging out with friends, playing with her bulldog, Italian food, the Kansas City Chiefs, NASCAR, golf and classic “hot rod” cars.
	Lindsay Grotjan Agricultural Education Society Lindsay Grotjan is a senior from Keytesville, Mo., majoring in agricultural education. Grotjan represents Agricultural Education Society, but is also involved in CAFNR Student Council, Alpha Delta Pi, Mizzou Collegiate Cattle Women and Alpha Zeta. Grotjan chose MU and CAFNR for the education available at the University. “I think the people are what makes CAFNR so great,” Grotjan said. “I’ve met some amazing students in CAFNR, but also think that we have the most friendly and helpful faculty and staff on campus.” Favorites of Grotjan’s include going out with friends, slow pitch softball, fishing, reading, shopping, ice cream, football and the St. Louis Cardinals.
	Lori Guthals MU Block and Bridle Club Lori Guthals is a senior from Gower, Mo., majoring in agricultural education. Guthals represents the MU Block and Bridle Club, but is also involved in Sigma Alpha and MU Collegiate Cattle Women. After graduation, Guthals would like a job as the marketing director for the Missouri State Fair. “My advice to other CAFNR students would be to get involved,” Guthals said. “Remember though, no matter what clubs you decide to join, make sure you choose wisely, and don't spread yourself too thin. Getting yourself into too many organizations can draw your attention away from what your ultimate goal is, to get a degree.” Favorites of Guthals include showing cattle, cooking, scrapbooking, cleaning, steak and potatoes, the Dallas Cowboys, softball and basketball.
	Jodi Hasekamp Agricultural Economics Club Jodi Hasekamp is a senior from Hawk Point, Mo., majoring in agribusiness management. Hasekamp represents the Agricultural Economics Club, but is also involved in Alpha Zeta and Kappa Delta. After graduation, Hasekamp would love to travel the world reporting on the world’s best beaches. “I wanted to come to a big school, but didn't want to get lost in the shuffle.  Being part of CAFNR provided me with the best of both worlds,” Hasekamp said. “Now I get the thrill of cheering on the MU football team along with a stadium full of thousands of people, but know when I go to class, my professors will know my name.” Favorites of Hasekamp’s include hanging out with friends, pepperoni and jalapeño pizza, MU sports and volleyball.
	Tyne Morgan Sigma Alpha Tyne Morgan is a senior from Lexington, Mo., majoring in agricultural journalism. Morgan represents Sigma Alpha, but also is involved as a student representative of the 2007-2008 Student Courses and Curricula Committee. After graduation, she would like to work as a TV reporter for Ag Day TV. Morgan chose MU and CAFNR because she wanted to carry on her father's tradition and love for the University. “CAFNR faculty and staff truly do want each of their students to excel in everything we do,” Morgan said. “That was and still is comforting coming from a small school to a major university.” Favorites of Morgan’s include spending time with my family and friends, the MU Tigers, the Kansas City Chiefs, volleyball and steak.
	Ashley Noblitt Collegiate Farm Bureau Ashley Noblitt is a senior from Bolivar, Mo., majoring in agricultural education. Noblitt represents the Collegiate Farm Bureau, but is also involved in CAFNR Student Council and Agricultural Education Society. After graduation, Noblitt would like to become a high school agriculture teacher or a not-for-profit agricultural organization education director. Noblitt chose MU and CAFNR because of the opportunities available at the university. She believes one should get involved in CAFNR and take advantage of all the life changing experiences. “CAFNR is a family. You can walk down the hallways of any agriculture building and know people,” Noblitt said. “They help you network with individuals, gain leadership experience and create life-long friendships. Favorites of Noblitt’s include scrapbooking, ice cream, watching NASCAR and playing volleyball.
	Brianna Schuster Alpha Gamma Rho Brianna Schuster is a senior from Truxton, Mo., majoring in agribusiness management. Schuster represents Alpha Gamma Rho, but is also involved in Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Zeta, Agricultural Economics Club and CAFNR Student Council. After graduation, Schuster would like to be a whale and dolphin trainer. Schuster chose MU and CAFNR because she wanted the best. “Get involved in CAFNR Student Council because it gives you great access to all the clubs and lots of opportunities to capitalize on,” Schuster said. “I would also get involved in a club that deals primarily with your major.  That is a great way to meet people you will potentially be in class with your entire college career.” Favorites of Schuster’s include riding horses, reading, fishing, chocolate, the St. Louis Cardinals and the rodeo.
	Sarah Shaw Alpha Gamma Sigma Sarah Shaw is a senior from Frankford, Mo., majoring in agribusiness management. Shaw represents Alpha Gamma Sigma, but is also involved in CAFNR Student Council, Agricultural Economics Club and Phi Mu. After graduation, Shaw would love to find a job where she would get to talk to farmers all day long. Right now, she would like to work for FCS Financial as an agriculture loan officer in Columbia or Mexico, Mo. Shaw chose MU and CAFNR because in high school she loved agriculture classes and business classes. When she found out CAFNR had an agribusiness management major, she knew it was perfect for her.   “My favorite experience was studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic,” Shaw said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of the programs CAFNR offers.  Learning about different cultures overseas is completely different than just hearing about it.” Favorites of Shaw’s include spending time with family and friends, barbeque, the St. Louis Cardinals, soccer and swimming.
	Melissa Spain CAFNR Ambassadors Melissa Spain is a junior from Columbia, Mo., majoring in biochemistry. Spain represents CAFNR Ambassadors, but is also involved in Pre-Med Society, Baptist Student Union and Biochemistry Club. After graduation, Spain would like to become a doctor in a rural community. “MU has so many great organizations that it doesn’t really matter which one you choose as long as it is something that you are really interested in so that you will enjoy yourself, stay active and meet others with similar interests,” Spain said. Favorites of Spain’s include spending time with friends and family, macaroni and cheese, the MU Tigers and playing basketball.

 

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